Thanks, it has been a lot of fun so far and the season is only beginning for me
As far as how old, That I dunno for sure. Depends on the kid really, some will pick up faster and such. For instance I fish with a 10 and 13 year old a lot ( their mom works for the park I hang out in and so they tag along some days) But I'll tell you those kids learn fast and can catch carp right along side me with no issues.
I will say that most kids that come to the farm with their parents are usually 4 or 5 years old at the earliest. Younger ones come but they don't fish and are usually being watched by another while one of the parents fishes. That seems like a good age though to me, and as long as you encourage and have fun with them they seem to really enjoy the time they spend. Tough part for many kids is patience..its all good if fish are biting like mad, but on a slow day, yeah.
Things I will put out there, when you start taking your kid fishing, teaching them to look behind them before they cast is a huge thing. Also always use barb-less or crush the barbs on the hooks down. If an accident does happen, it is best not to have those nasty barbs to make things worse. Having them learn to cast with a small rod and a weight or small item on the end in the grass is a good start.
I would also recommend that when you fish, find a place that has big fish that you can toss out a rod and wait for something to run with it, but also has a ton of bluegills and such. This way you toss your rod out and let it sit meanwhile you spend time with your kid helping them catch small fish. This way, and I know it's prolly common sense but , you get the chance to hit into some nice lunkers while still keeping your kids attention and passing the time nicely.
As they get more into it, have them help in all areas of fishing. I've noticed that even if kids aren't catching fish and others are, if you let them help net, chum, handle etc they keep interested. Also having some extra activities in your pocket can be great. Look on the internet for interesting and fun outdoor activities to do while you fish to help entertain during slow times.
Like did you know that if you pull a dandelion flower and stem up, tear the stem lengthwise from the bottom to the flower a few times, keeping it all intact so it looks like a dandelion octopus, when you dip it in the water and gently swirl it a bit the stem will curl and make it all squiggly? I didn't till a little bit ago heh.
And last but not least you can always check out local events by going to
http://www.mass.gov/dcr/events.htm or
http://www.mass.gov/dfwele/dfw/education/aep/aep_calendar.htm Sometimes just being around those types of environments can get your kids interested and excited about fishing.
Granted I am by no means a professional anything, I am simply a volunteer who fishes and does maple sugaring tours. Take what I say with a grain of salt, but I hope it does at least a little good. I also hope that your son grows up and has plenty of good times outfishing you
Cause that is what its all about, Bringing our love of fishing to those around us.